Indian Defence Review

BAE's M777 ultra-light field howitzer

BAE Systems welcomes the news that the Governments of India and the U.S. have agreed on the Foreign Military Sale of 145 M777 Ultra Lightweight Howitzers.

India will join the U.S., Canadian and Australian forces in gaining the M777’s unmatched strategic and tactical mobility.

“We look forward to providing the Indian Army with the combat-proven M777,” said Dr. Joe Senftle, vice president & general manager for Weapon Systems at BAE Systems. “Our plan to establish a domestic Assembly, Integration and Test facility further demonstrates our commitment to ‘Make in India’ and remains a firm part of our strategy to work with the Indian defense sector across Air, Land, Sea and Security.”

The Company anticipates signing a contract in the coming weeks with the U.S. Department of Defense to supply these M777 Howitzers to the Indian Army, providing them with superior artillery capability.

At half the weight of other 155mm towed howitzers, the M777 provides a rapid reaction capability and a proven pedigree that delivers decisive firepower when needed most in sustained combat conditions.

With more than 1,090 M777s in service, it is the only battle-proven 155mm Ultra-lightweight howitzer in the world. It will remain at the forefront of artillery technology well into the future through the use of technical insertions, long-range precision guided munition developments, and flexible mobility options.

Earlier this year, encouraged by Prime Minister Modi’s call to “Make in India”, BAE Systems announced a plan to establish an Assembly, Integration & Testing (AIT) facility in India which will expand our global supply chain and is an integral part of the offset offer to the Government of India.

The offset offer commits to investing in, and the development of, a number of Indian defence suppliers, providing them with access to the BAE Systems group across Air, Land, Sea and Security programs. The conclusion of this procurement will enable BAE Systems to make an investment of over $200 million in those Indian defence suppliers.